Last March 19th, the Feast of Saint Joseph was celebrated with great fervor at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Saint Joseph in Belo Horizonte, entrusted to the Redemptorist Missionaries since 1900. Throughout the festive season, thousands of devotees visited the Shrine, expressing their faith, gratitude, and countless blessings.
The celebration was preceded by an intense novena, carefully prepared by the Redemptorist community, and celebrated with great participation by the faithful. During these nine days, prayers, thanksgivings, and supplications expressed the trust of the people of Minas Gerais—the Brazilian state of which Belo Horizonte is the capital—in the glorious patron of the Church.
The entire program for the 19th included nine Eucharistic celebrations, culminating in the solemn Mass at 6:00 PM, presided over by Most Rev. José Otácio, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese. In his homily, the bishop presented Saint Joseph as an example of steadfast faith, docility to God, and courage in facing the responsibilities of Christian life. He recalled that the words “Do not be afraid,” addressed to Joseph by the angel, continue to resonate today in the lives of all those called to a demanding vocation. His brief yet profound words invited the faithful to embrace the mission with the same generous heart as Jesus’ foster father.
A sanctuary with over a century of history
The Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Joseph is one of Belo Horizonte’s most beloved shrines. Founded in the capital’s early years and entrusted to the Redemptorist Missionaries since 1900, it has become a hub of faith, spirituality, and hospitality. Its services, pastoral activities, and evangelization efforts reach thousands of people each month, keeping alive the Redemptorist mission of “announcing the Abundant Redemption.”
This year’s Feast of St. Joseph was carefully planned over the course of months by the Rector and Parish Priest, Father José Luís Queimado, C.Ss.R., together with the community of Redemptorist religious and numerous pastoral workers. Every detail—from the liturgies to the welcome, from the setup to the communication—was meticulously prepared so that all devotees would feel at home, embraced by the love of St. Joseph.
Gratitude and blessings
Throughout the festive season, the Shrine welcomed a steady stream of devotees, families, and pilgrims who came to offer thanks, ask for grace, or renew their trust in the patron saint of the Church. These were intense days of prayer, moving testimonies, and abundant graces received.
We thank the Redemptorist Missionaries for their constant commitment and all the volunteers, collaborators and faithful who contributed in some way to the realization of the celebration.
May Saint Joseph continue to intercede for all families, workers, consecrated people and the devout, pouring out abundant blessings on those who trust in his protection.
Lorrany Fátima Bernardino,
Public relations officer of the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. Joseph, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
